Movie Review: Togo - A Movie That Brings Adventure and Emotions Together for You

Pic Credits: Imdb

‘I always thought he lived for the sled.  What he lived for, was me.’

Introduction

Genre- Biopic

Director- Ericson Core

Language- English

Cast- William Dafoe

Perseverance can move mountains and hope can breathe life. People brag a lot about determination and hope, reciting stories about how these two can beat anyone and any battle.

However, more often than not people don’t even have a tiny bit of hope when the situation arises. Having perseverance is very important but not everyone has the gut. But one can definitely be inspired by this miraculous true story of Togo and his musher Seppla.

Elevator Pitch  (Spoiler alert)

If this wasn’t a true story I would be a tough rock to convince. Togo is a nerve-wracking tale of a dog and his musher Seppla who were at strict loggerheads on their very first meet. Seppla was upfront about his opinion on the dog; “He’s a monster!”. His wife though was full of love for the little furball and in her defense the baby husky is love at first sight. Only Seppla couldn't see it, but not for long.

The movie travels in flashbacks of Togo’s childhood and his 12 years old self battling to reach the Alaskan town to get the serum for the diphtheria-affected children. As a baby, Togo is majestic with his tenacity to be with his master.  

But tenacious himself Seppla tries everything in his power to get rid of the Siberian-husky. He sends him away at first only to be returned back. He is locked up but he finds his way out and it’s a sight to watch. All his attempts are to be with his master along with the other sled dogs. 

When a young Togo is hell-bent to be a member of the sled team, the older one is voracious to reach his destination along the dangerous snowy terrain almost on the edge of death. Seppla is himself a rock and deserves all attention.

The way he led the dogs despite the disaster and horrifying situations is inspirational. 

The life and death battle led by Togo and his master is all that we need to see to understand that hope and willpower can move a mountain. Nature is never easy on the team while they have to suffer the chilly winds.

What is even more beautiful is how Togo is willing to go to any lengths to save the lives of those children despite his body giving up and completing the 264 miles. 

Togo and Seppala

A lot of people are fond of dogs and share some amazing an bond with their pets. But the fairy-tale that blooms between Togo and Seppala is tickling. What began as a love-hate relationship, with love only from Togo, turned into forever. 

It was like watching two lovers fall in love. Seppala who is categorically averse to the dog is moved by his attempts to woe his master. Mini Togo is all applause when he outshines the other big dogs and becomes the leader of the pack. 

It stings a lot to know that even though Seppala’s dogs bought the serum it was Balto the dog who was praised for years for he passed on the serum to its destination. However, finally in this movie we are gifted with the original tale of the animal-human duo. 

The Ending

Togo was already fragile before going for the relay and as much as it was fatal for him to go, he couldn’t be denied ever. Throughout the movies, there are significant scenes about how Togo never took the back seat, that he can never be told what he’s capable of.

Despite the pain and injuries, despite the age and size Togo never made an excuse to stay back, in fact pushing harder every time push comes to shove. 

He would cover humongous distances just to be with his master. Towards the end with his little borns, he lived with his master training them. And when finally the end comes to a classic love story, his master realizes that his one true love lived for him and not for the sled.  

Pic Credits:Imdb

Bottom Line

What we can learn from the story is that every person is born with a purpose. And even though the journey has cockpits and gravel in the path, it’s not to stop us but to make us even stronger.

Togo was an apt example of if you set your heart on something, not even death can take it away from you. It’s the purpose and perseverance that drive a person and hope that enables them to live through atrocities and failures.

The dog was a born prodigy and a leader but even then it was his will to be the best and loyal to his master. He had to break a leg to gain his master’s trust a lot of times in the beginning, even if it meant digging the earth with his bare paws.  

 

It’s a cherry on the top for the story to be true for it only makes the case even stronger to work hard and never lose hope.

 Ratings for the Show-  5 on 5

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Written By- Shivani Singh